Losing Hair to Win the Battle Against Childhood Cancer

Michigan Urgent Care’s President and Medical Director joins the St. Baldrick’s Foundation head shaving event to raise money for lifesaving research.

For the very first time, Dr. Mohammed Arsiwala, president and medical director, Michigan Urgent Care, joins The St. Baldrick’s Foundation for a head shaving event Saturday, March 15, 2014, 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. at the Romeo Lions Field House at 269 East Washington Street, Romeo, Michigan. Dr. Arsiwala and 500 additional participants will shave their heads in solidarity with kids with cancer while raising money to conquer childhood cancers.

The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer-driven charity dedicated to raising money for childhood cancer research through its signature head-shaving events. Every three minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer worldwide, and one in five children diagnosed in the U.S. will not survive. With only 4 percent of all federal cancer research funding dedicated to pediatric cancer research, St. Baldrick’s Foundation volunteers, supporters and donors fill a crucial need to battle against this devastating disease.

“To carry a physical reminder of the hardship children endure from cancer treatments is an honor. I look forward to the conversations my bald head will generate and to share the important work of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation,” says Arisiwala. Arswiala will be participating with a team “Polish Mafia””and has a personal fundraising goal of $5,000.

This is the seventh year for the Village of Romeo’s head-shaving event, which has raised more than a million dollars since 2008. This year’s event aims to add to that total with a $350,000 goal. More than 5,000 people are expected to come out to support the more than 500 head-shaving volunteers.

The event will be a full day of activities, including a kid’s games, various live music performances and raffle drawings. Local Romeo St. Baldrick’s Honored Kids Pietro Pellerito, Adam Nyquist and Noah Costa will be in attendance and are available for interviews. All have experienced their own journeys with cancer and know the importance of raising funds and spreading awareness about the Foundation’s mission.